Abstract
Brain waves of 60 male and 55 female diabetic patients were recorded, Of these 115 cases, abnormal brain waves were noted in 55 cases; i. e. 30 cases (26%) with markedly slow waves, 18 with slightly slow waves and 5 cases with spike. Borderline abnormalities were observed in 10 cases and the remaining 52 cases were normal.
The correlation between the EEG abnormalities and clinical findings were studied. In the younger age group less than 29 years of age, 7 out of 8 cases were found to have abnormal waves. Abnormal waves were frequently observed inn cases with loss of KJ and also in cases with positive EKG under st ress. Brain waves were often abnormal in cases with positive CCF in liver function test.
To pursue the origin of these abnormal brain waves, 40 cc of 50% glucose I.V. was given in 11 cases demonstrating abnormal waves. The blood sugar level prior to and following glucose administration were determined and EEG was taken continuously. In 5 cases there was a decrease in slow waves by glucose administration, but no remarkable change in slow waves was noted in 6 cases, In all the cases showing a decrease in slow waves, there was loss of KJ and in the group showing no remarkable chang in slow waves only one case demonstrated loss of KJ. Moreover, the group showing a decrease in slow waves showed marked elevation of blood sugar following glucose administration, but the elevation rate was lesser in the group showing no remarkable change in slow waves. In the group showing a decrease in slow waves the EEG abnormality prior to glucose administration was more remarakble than that of the group showing no remarkable change in slow waves.
In view of the foregoing, it was assumed that the marked slow waves of diabetic patients are an indication that brain cells cannot perform their normal function unless more glucose is supplied, because the glucose uptake rate of the brain or nerve cells is reduced even though the blood sugar value is high.
